Intermittent Kangaroo Mother Care

Abstract

The practice of kangaroo mother care (KMC) is steadily increasing in high-tech settings due to its proven benefits for both infants and parents. In spite of that, clear guidelines about how to implement this method of care are lacking, and as a consequence, some restrictions are applied in many neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), preventing its practice. Based on recommendations from the Expert Group of the International Network on Kangaroo Mother Care, we developed a hospital protocol in the neonatal unit of the Institute for Maternal and Child Health in Trieste, Italy, a level 3 unit, aimed to facilitate and promote KMC implementation in high-tech settings. Our guideline is therefore proposed, based both on current scientific literature and on practical considerations and experience. Future adjustments and improvements would be considered based on increasing clinical KMC use and further knowledge.

The Significance and Effectiveness of Kangaroo Care for Premature Infants

“…Kangaroo care is known to be a safe way to care for stable premature neonatal infants and is used in many hospitals worldwide [13]. Neonatal infants whose gestational age is between 30 and 34 weeks and weigh 1,800 g or more may suffer from some problems due to premature birth.…”

“…Before initiating kangaroo care, the family should be informed in detail about the advantages of kangaroo care for infant and for parents, when to begin it, organizing environmental conditions and possible problems. Plans for kangaroo care should be shared with parents, and their informed consent must be obtained [13,16].…”

“…The environment's physical conditions should allow for comfort and harmony between mother and infant. The duration of mother-infant attachment can be extended by a calm and silent atmosphere, low lighting and mother-infant-oriented care planning [13,16].…”

“… Informing, educating and preparing the family before kangaroo care  Preparing the environment's physical conditions  The application of kangaroo care  Monitoring the infant during kangaroo care [13].…”

“…Kangaroo care is a safe care model that establishes contact between mother and premature infant as early as possible [2,13]. With this approach, families can feel secure, and the humanistic care principle can be protected despite high technology [3,6].…”